An RV journey between Alberta and Nevada is one of the most rewarding, scenic, and adventure-filled road trips you can take across the Western half of North America. Whether you’re traveling from Alberta to Nevada or driving northbound from Nevada back to Alberta, the open road unfolds mile after mile of mountains, canyonlands, high desert plateaus, and historic ghost towns.
Many travelers choose to make this a one-way RV route, then ship their vehicle back home for convenience and cost savings. US Canada Auto Transport makes this simple by handling the cross-border paperwork, timing, and delivery logistics. If Nevada is part of your travel plan, you can learn more at Ship a car to Nevada from Alberta on our Nevada state page.
Below, you’ll find a complete RV-ready guide filled with scenic highlights, park recommendations, desert stops, and practical planning tips.
Why This RV Route Is One of the Best in North America
Driving an RV from Alberta to Nevada blends natural beauty with a sense of old-world frontier adventure. The route connects the dramatic Canadian Rockies with the sweeping plains of Montana, dips into volcanic Idaho, climbs into Utah’s canyon country, and finishes in Nevada’s desert and ghost town territory.
This is also a flexible route ideal for slow travelers, photographers, families, hikers, or anyone wanting to blend national parks with quiet small towns. With an RV, you can stay in forested campgrounds, desert boondocking areas, or affordable RV parks along the way.
For a different style of trip, you can also check out our related guide: Alberta to Nevada: The Wild West Road Trip a perfect companion resource.
Overview of the Alberta–Nevada RV Route
The most common pathway follows:
Calgary (or Edmonton) → Waterton Lakes → Montana → Idaho → Utah canyon country → Nevada desert towns → Las Vegas or Reno
Here’s the full itinerary on Google Maps:
View the Alberta–Nevada RV route here
This corridor gives RV travelers access to national parks, scenic highways, and plenty of dispersed camping opportunities.
The RV Road Trip in Detail
1. Alberta → Waterton Lakes National Park → Montana
Your RV adventure starts with big mountains, sweeping prairie views, and one of the most beautiful national parks in Canada. Waterton Lakes is ideal for RV travelers because of its spacious viewpoints, wildlife sightings, and accessible trails.
Why stop here:
- Lakeside parking for lunch
- Prince of Wales Hotel viewpoint
- Easy mountain walks for all ages
From here, cross into Montana at Carway/Peigan—one of the fastest and most RV-friendly crossings between Alberta and the United States.
Border Crossing Tips for RV Travelers:
- Keep passports, RV registration, and insurance documents ready.
- Propane tanks may need to be shut off during crossing (check signage).
- Declare all food to avoid delays.
- Remove firewood—this is typically prohibited.
2. Glacier National Park → Flathead Valley
Once you enter Montana, you’re only a short drive from Glacier National Park. RV travelers love this region because even if the Going-to-the-Sun Road isn’t suitable for large rigs, many of the western park roads are accessible, and the surrounding mountain lakes are spectacular.
Don’t miss:
- Lake McDonald pull-offs
- Apgar Village
- Flathead Lake scenic drive
RV camping is plentiful around Kalispell, Bigfork, and Lakeside.
3. Montana’s Big Sky Country → Missoula → Bitterroot Valley
Heading south, the landscape widens into classic “Big Sky Country.” Missoula is a great stop for supplies, breweries, and riverfront walks. The Bitterroot Valley continues the slow, peaceful rhythm many RV travelers love.
Top RV-friendly highlights:
- Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
- St. Mary Peak scenic overlook
- Old West towns like Hamilton and Darby
This stretch also provides easy highway miles and plenty of pull-offs.
4. Montana → Idaho: Canyons, Rivers & Volcanic Plains
Crossing into Idaho offers a dramatic shift from mountains to volcanic landscapes. The region near Salmon and Idaho Falls is perfect for scenic river stops and quiet overnights.
Great RV stops:
- Big Lost River Valley
- Idaho Falls River Walk
- Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
If you enjoy hot springs, southern Idaho has many natural soaking pools, including Lava Hot Springs—an excellent recharge point.
5. Entering Utah: Salt Lake Valley & Red Desert
Utah’s landscapes change by the hour. One moment you’re in alpine foothills, and the next you’re surrounded by red sandstone and desert mesas.
Key attractions:
- Antelope Island State Park (bison, salt flats)
- Farmington Canyon overlook
- Downtown Salt Lake for culture and food
This is also where many RV travelers stock up before entering southern Utah’s canyon corridor, which has fewer grocery and repair options.
Don’t Miss: Utah’s Canyon Corridor (RV Highlights)
South of Provo and Nephi, the land opens into the canyon roads that define much of the American West. This region is a dream for RV photography and outdoor exploration.
6. Zion National Park (RV-Friendly Access)
Zion offers a mix of RV options—private parks in Springdale, government campgrounds, and scenic drives. While RVs cannot enter some portions of the park directly, the shuttle system is incredibly efficient.
Top Zion RV stops:
- Watchman Campground
- Jenni’s Ranch overlook area
- Springdale town viewpoints
Zion’s canyon walls glow orange at sunset an unforgettable moment on any Alberta to Nevada road trip.
7. Entering Nevada: Ghost Towns, Desert Vistas & Wide-Open Roads
The final stretch into Nevada is a highlight of the entire journey. The land becomes sparse, rugged, and impossibly beautiful, dotted with old mining settlements and quiet western towns.
Must-see Nevada stops:
- Pioche (historic mining town)
- Caliente Mission Revival depot
- Extraterrestrial Highway (Route 375)
- Ash Springs desert oasis
- Valley of Fire State Park
If your final destination is Las Vegas or Henderson, the descent into the southern Nevada basin is breathtaking at sunset. If you’re continuing north, Reno, Ely, and Tonopah each have their own Wild West charm.
For even more ideas in Nevada, take a look at our related feature:
Alberta to Nevada: The Wild West Road Trip
RV Campsites & Overnight Recommendations
Alberta & Montana
- Waterton Townsite Campground (seasonal)
- Two Medicine Campground (if open)
- Flathead National Forest dispersed camping
Idaho
- Henry’s Lake State Park
- Craters of the Moon campground
- Idaho Falls RV Park
Utah
- Utah Lake Shoreline Campground
- Sand Hollow State Park
- Zion Canyon RV Resort
Nevada
- Cathedral Gorge State Park
- Echo Canyon State Park
- Las Vegas RV Resort (full hookups)
Driving Distances & RV-Friendly Timing
| Section | Approx. Driving Time |
| Alberta → Glacier NP | 3–4 hrs |
| Glacier → Missoula | 2–2.5 hrs |
| Missoula → Idaho Falls | 4 hrs |
| Idaho Falls → SLC | 3 hrs |
| SLC → Zion | 4 hrs |
| Zion → Eastern Nevada → Las Vegas | 4–5 hrs |
The route is flexible and can be done in 5 to 12 days depending on RV pace and campground stays.
RV Road Trip Safety Tips
- Check propane restrictions at tunnels and border crossings.
- Carry extra water—Utah and Nevada can be extremely dry.
- Download offline maps for mountain and desert zones.
- Fuel up frequently; rural stations may be far apart.
- Keep tire pressure stable for elevation and heat changes.
Customize Your RV Route
No two RV travelers take the exact same route and that’s part of the fun. You can add extra state parks, avoid major cities, or add scenic byways and ghost towns.
Use our Road Trip Planner to customize your route and map out must-see stops.
Whether you want more canyon views, more mountains, or more remote desert roads, the tool helps you design a personalized adventure.
Why Ship Your RV or Tow Vehicle One Way?
While road tripping in one direction is exciting, driving back the same long distance isn’t always practical. That’s where auto transport comes in.
US Canada Auto Transport can ship:
- RV tow vehicles
- Trucks
- Cars
- SUVs
- Additional gear-loaded vehicles
This allows you to:
- Fly home
- Extend your trip one direction only
- Avoid repeating highway miles
- Save on fuel and RV wear
Many travelers drive their RV from Alberta to Nevada, then ship their secondary vehicle home to avoid an unnecessary return trip.
Conclusion
An RV journey between Alberta and Nevada is not just a road trip it’s an immersion into some of North America’s most dramatic environments. From mountain passes and glacial lakes to canyon corridors and ghost towns, every mile on this route feels like a new chapter of the Old West.
Whether you’re driving south from Alberta to Nevada or taking the reverse route northbound, this one-way road trip offers unforgettable scenery and freedom. Plan your route using our Road Trip Planner and let US Canada Auto Transport handle your car shipping so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
Google Maps Route (All Major Stops)
View the RV route from Alberta to Nevada
